On September 10, 1899 CE, a powerful earthquake occurred near Yakutat Bay, Alaska, triggering a significant tsunami in the coastal inlet. According to the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database, the event took place at 21:41 and is indexed under event ID 1260.
Earthquake Parameters and Geographic Coordinates
The tsunami was generated by an earthquake assigned a magnitude of 8.2. The seismic event was centered at latitude 60.0° N and longitude -140.0° W, positioned in the coastal region of Alaska (AK), United States.
Tsunami Measurements and Catalog Classification
The catalog record documents an extreme maximum water height of 60.96 meters associated with the event. In historical tsunami databases, this peak measurement reflects the highest local water level recorded along the shoreline rather than a uniform wave height across the open ocean.
In the NOAA/NCEI database classification system, the event is listed with a tsunami validity score of 4, denoting a definite tsunami event. The underlying cause is assigned cause code 3, corresponding to an earthquake-generated displacement.
Summary of Archived Event Parameters
| Parameter | Archived Value |
|---|---|
| Event Date and Time | September 10, 1899 CE, 21:41 |
| Location | Yakutat Bay, Alaska, USA |
| Coordinates | 60.0° N, -140.0° W |
| Associated Earthquake Magnitude | 8.2 |
| Maximum Water Height | 60.96 meters |
| Tsunami Validity Rating | 4 (Definite tsunami) |
| Primary Cause Code | 3 (Earthquake) |
Frequently asked questions
When did the 1899 Yakutat Bay tsunami occur?
The tsunami occurred on September 10, 1899 CE, with the cataloged earthquake time recorded at 21:41.
What was the magnitude of the earthquake associated with the tsunami?
The earthquake associated with the Yakutat Bay tsunami had a recorded magnitude of 8.2.
What was the maximum water height recorded for this event?
The NOAA/NCEI record documents a maximum water height of 60.96 meters.
What is the catalog validity rating of this tsunami event?
The event has a validity rating of 4 in the NOAA/NCEI database, indicating a definite tsunami.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.